Messy neighbours

[Butterfly212]

Hi need to rant….Where we live we have a shared entrance and stairway with neighbours then our entrance doors are opposite each other there is a small square of hallway between us. I have an issue that the neighbours clutter the hallway and stairs with all their crap . On the small square hallway they have one of those builders buckets filled with crap like dirty shoes umbrellas etc they also have a scooter, tent , more umbrellas, jump start kit which hardly leaves any room when we come out of the door .Then going up the stairs they have about 6 sets of dirty shoes covered in mud. To add insult they have added a thick folded up gymnastics matt at the bottom which slightly blocks you getting out the main door but it’s doable. Now ive had so many polite conversations leading to arguments with her about this told her its a fire hazard/ health and safety not to mention it looks so trampy it’s embarrassing when i have visitors it cant even be cleaned properly it makes me so angry its the entrance to my home. She won’t listen i don’t know what else to do.

Here for the updates!

I’d start damaging the items that are restricting you. I’d kick large items out of my way, I’d put stinky old food inside the items obstructing (must have fell out of your compost bag), I’d hide smaller items…
When she knocks I’d say how terrible it was, maybe she should move them to a safer location?

Is she a hoarder? I wonder if the inside of her place is also shit tip

you can contact the fire service and they will come out and do a fire safety check.

Are there cameras? If not, chuck some of items down the stairs, give a bloodcurdling scream and when she looks out to see what's happening, make sure that you're lying at the bottom of the stairs groaning loudly. Tell her you're going to sue.

Say nothing further to the neighbour. Buy a packet of black rice. Sprinkle a little around the piles of stuff. They will think there is a rodent infestation and clean up. This method also motivates teenagers to tidy up their bedrooms.

If her door opens inwards make a tower of all her crap propped against the door so it all topples inwards when she opens the door.

Or black bin bag it and put it out with the rubbish and deny all knowledge ad someone else said.

"Trip over" said stuff. Demand compensation. You're welcome.

NB. I know its not that simple but in the event someone does trip over said items surely they'd be liable? Maybe take photos of the items on the stairs for proof?

Go a few weeks without saying anything then lob a random shoe or item in the bin. Give it a month or two and repeat until they get the hint.

If they have a garage there really is no excuse to leave car equipment in a shared hallway/entrance!

OK umbrellas outside at a push if they are wet but a gymnastics mat is taking the absolute you know what.

I assume there is either a letting agent or management company you can report this too as it probably breaches their lease terms

Yes i think so. When ive knocked on the door before you can see crap and it smells like chip fat.

Exactly this . We don’t leave anything out there we might take muddy shoes off out there but bring them straight in we dont just leave them on the stairs we have a big airing cupboard as they will do and we use the garage so infuriating.

🤣🤣🤣

Have lots of photos

So I reported to the fire brigade on Monday they asked me to send photos which i did and haven't heard anything.

Brilliant idea 🤣

Definitely speak to the fire Brigade. They are sure to come out and inspect.

I did on Monday not heard back

It’s only Wednesday! Give them a week then follow up.

This is disgusting! I empathise, when my dh's cousin was in this situation his ( actually very lovely ) nan waited til the 3 of is were outside to visit her and her neighbour appeared and loudly exclaimed 'what slovenley, dirty, no pride animal has left the hall looking like this!? I tell you what I'll be getting that cleared up and seeking a fine to be sent out'. Dunno if the neighbour thought she was a landlord or something as she photographed the lot but she scurried off and cleaned it all later. On a serious note do report it! Does a maintenance company own the building?

That's frustrating you haven't heard back yet OP. Can you show us the photos? I'm curious as the to extend of the mess.

I can’t believe the landlord had been so lax. My neighbour left a bike in our shared stairwell. Under the stairs - blocking nothing and causing no obstruction. Our landlords said it was a fire risk and the stairwell had to be clear of everything.
My mums flat had a very small communal concrete outdoor area for hanging out washing as none of the flats have gardens/balconies. One of her neighbours left a small child’s slide out there - folded up and to the side. They only opened it up when it was in use. It was causing no problems for anybody. The landlord binned the slide.
I haven’t read all posts/updates but I’d go back to your landlord and say it’s a fire/health and safety risk and if something happens he/she will be liable as you’ve reported it and they’ve done nothing. If they’ve got a mat even partially obstructing the entrance/exit then I’d say that’s definitely a big no no.
Even if the individual owns their property… they don’t own any walkways or stairwells - that’s why you pay a service charge for the upkeep of “communal areas”
Hope it gets sorted

If you've spoke with your Landlord & they wont' do anything about it pick it all up & throw it outside or pour bleach on the lot of it then deny any knowledge of who could possibly have done it when she comes knocking.

The Land Registry will be able to help you find the owner and any leasehold interests and managing agents. Search online at gov.uk for the Land Registry. There is a small fee for copies of documents (£7).

@Butterfly212

they will not be allowed to leave it there do throw in away at night